Alvarez sends letter to football ticket holdersDirector of Athletics addresses proposed adjustment to football season ticket pricing

UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez

Feb. 16, 2010

This week, the Wisconsin Department of Athletics will be proposing to the UW Athletic Board a $3 per game ticket price adjustment for the 2010 football season. The Athletic Board will meet on Friday, Feb. 19 to discuss this recommendation. Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez sent a letter today to UW football season ticket holders discussing the proposed changes. The text of that letter is below:

Dear Badger Fan:

First, I would be remiss if I did not thank you for the amazing support you provide to UW Athletics, whether it be through attending events on campus, following our teams on the road or making a gift or other type of financial support that assists our student-athletes and coaches in a variety of ways. You are part of the greatest fan base in college athletics and that does not go unrecognized here.

We are constantly striving to do what we can to reward your loyalty to -- and passion for -- the Badgers. We conduct numerous free or low-cost events throughout the year that allow Badger fans to experience all Wisconsin Athletics has to offer, including Badger Days, Football Family Fun Day and Kids Day at the Kohl. Earlier this month we made the Stanley Cup and numerous Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits and games available for free at the Culver’s Camp Randall Hockey Classic. We will continue to provide these kinds of experiences as our way of thanking you for your support.

As we all know, however, the economic circumstances in our country over the past couple years have been uncertain at best. These have been tough times, but I’m very proud of our department for the cost containment measures we’ve taken. Each of our sports cut five percent from their budgets for next year and each of our support units cut five percent this year and five more for next year. In addition, we have not raised ticket prices for football since 2007, men’s basketball since the 2006-07 season and men’s hockey since the 2005-06 season. Our costs, however, for team travel, scholarships, facilities, equipment, supplies, etc., continue to rise.

Having said that, I’m writing to inform you that our department will later this week be proposing to the UW Athletic Board a modest $3 per game ticket price adjustment for the 2010 football season. Once again we will not be proposing ticket price changes for men’s basketball or men’s hockey. We have seven home football games this coming fall, so the football price adjustment will cost you an extra $21 per seat for the season. We, of course, do not want to take this step, but we feel at this time that it is necessary as we strive to maintain a nationally competitive program across the board.

Winning Seasons Since 1993

Ohio State

16

Wisconsin

15

Michigan

15

Penn State

13

Bowl Appearances Since 1993

Ohio State

16

Wisconsin

15

Michigan

15

Penn State

13

Bowl Victories Since 1993

Wisconsin

10

Penn State

10

Ohio State

8

Michigan

8

We believe our football program to be one of the great values in college athletics. You already know that Camp Randall Stadium provides one of the best game-day atmospheres in the nation. No Big Ten school has won more bowl games since 1993 than Wisconsin has. Among our Big Ten peers, only Ohio State has had more winning seasons than we have since 1993. And yet, even with the price adjustment I’ve mentioned, the per-game cost of our football season ticket will be no higher than sixth in the Big Ten in 2010.

I’m proud of what has been accomplished here in the athletic department over the years. The student-athletes we have here right now are having unparalleled academic success. We’ve won a dozen national titles over the past six seasons and nearly twice that many Big Ten championships during that time. And last year our student-athletes were involved in approximately 1,500 community service hours in the Madison area. We have a good thing going here and you are a big part of it.

Thanks for your time and, again, thanks for your support of Badger Athletics.

ON WISCONSIN!

Barry AlvarezDirector of Athletics

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT CAMP RANDALL STADIUM:• One of top 10 stadiums in the country by Rivals.com• ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg’s favorite stadium in the Big Ten• One of top 10 “Most Intimidating Stadiums” by About.com• One of top 15 “College Football Gameday Experiences” by NBCSports.com• Top 10 “College Football Weekend” by SI.com• One of “10 Great Places to Stand and Cheer” by USA Today